How to break thumb sucking habit

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Saturday, July 13, 2019

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Special Offers. Do you remember when you stopped sucking your thumb? Nearly nine out of 10 babies start to suck on their thumb or another part of their hands just hours after birth. For some people, the behavior continues through adulthood. While thumb sucking isn't an issue in babies or young children, adult thumb sucking may be embarrassing and in some cases may pose oral health problems. Whether you're an adult who sucks their thumb or know someone who does, here's what you need to know about the habit and how to address it.

5 Ways to Break the Thumb-Sucking Habit

10 Ways To Break The Thumb Sucking Habit

If you have a thumb sucker then you know it can be a difficult habit to break. While this is normal behavior during infancy it can begin to cause problems as your child grows. There is mixed opinions on when to break the habit, but most people would agree earlier is better, but definitely by age 5 and before permanent teeth come in. If you are struggling to help your child break the habit, check out some of our tips below.

Thumb Sucking: How to Break the Habit

Many articles on this subject focus on talking to your child and offering positive reinforcement, but most toddlers are not interested giving up a constant source of pleasure. If you wait too long to stop the thumb and finger sucking, your child can have permanent changes to their jaw shape, bite, and teeth. Speech can also be affected, and many thumb suckers will need speech therapy.

I have a confession to make: I was a thumb sucker when I was a kid, and I remember how hard it is to kick the habit. While it's not uncommon for children to rely on their thumbs as a way to calm themselves well into the preschool years, many moms worry that their children's thumb sucking will become a long-term habit — and for good reason. Long-term thumb suckers are at risk for speech delays and dental problems down the road.